“When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?” Isaiah 8:19 NIV
“Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.” 3 John 1:11 NIV
Father God,
Halloween. Love pumpkin pie and sweets. But why the love of all things spooky and evil? Just a bit of fun? So many things these days have been advertised as harmless fun- gambling, drinking. Portrayed as harmless or like halloween have become a tradition. Or a bit of fun like horoscopes?
Right from our day one, Adam and Eve, You showed us there was good and evil. They chose the fruit of the forbidden tree over all the others and the tree of life. We have chosen the fruit of the tree of life through Jesus. We cannot now put our foot in the other camp. Or as they say, we have nailed our colours to the mast. As admirals used to do. Red for the blood of Jesus, blue for the holiness of God, yellow for the fire of the Holy Spirit and pure white for sin forgiven. We choose His way.
Thank You that we need have nothing to do with darkness or darkness disguised as light. Open our eyes to see things as they really are. We pray You will keep little hearts and minds safe during halloween. That they will not grow up thinking that bad can be good.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Father God,
For our family, friends, neighbours, those we promised to pray for.
For our fellowship, ministers and our and neighbouring congregations.
For our king and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2).
For our Government. Lords and commons. Civil Servants. Local councillors. The budget.
For Ukraine and Russia. For Israel, Lebanon, the Middle East. A time to end war.
For those flooded out in Valencia, Spain and those bereaved.
For children who live in fear not just at halloween. Rescue them from bad situations.
For those who love and worship darkness. Open their eyes and ears and hearts to Your freedom.
For us to see above all the old traditions and things that annoy us, that You are a goof faithful God. You have a plan even when we cannot see it.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thursday 31st October 2024
Anthony Brown, told the story of how he came to write the chorus in an interview on new song cafe. He explained that he had no dad. “The only one I’ve ever called ‘Father’ is God.” He said that the chorus arose during spontaneous worship, and that they used the chorus in worship for about four years before he sat down with Pat Barrett and composed the entire song. “Just saying (the word good) once was not enough,” and so it is repeated twice. Pat Barrett added “Good, Good Father” helps you unlearn damaging things you have heard about God. The words of the bridge ‘You are perfect in all of your ways, to us’ personalizes His goodness.”
Oh, I’ve heard a thousand stories of what they think You’re like
But I’ve heard the tender whisper of love in the dead of night
And You tell me that You’re pleased and that I’m never alone
You’re a good, good Father
It’s who You are, it’s who You are, it’s who You are
And I’m loved by You
It’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am
Oh, and I’ve seen many searching for answers far and wide
But I know we’re all searching for answers only You provide
‘Cause You know just what we need before we say a word
You’re a good, good Father
It’s who You are, it’s who You are, it’s who You are
And I’m loved by You
It’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am
You are perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways to us
You are perfect in all of Your ways
Oh, You’re perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways to us
Oh, it’s love so undeniable
I, I can hardly speak
Peace so unexplainable
I, I can hardly think
As You call me deeper still
As You call me deeper still
As You call me deeper still into love, love, love
You’re a good, good Father
It’s who You are, it’s who You are, it’s who You are
And I’m loved by You
It’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am
Repeat . . .
Lyrics: Pat Barrett and Tony Brown